Religious activities, essential work allowed in GCQ areas

MANILA, Philippines —Religious activities and essential work gatherings will now be allowed in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), Malacañang announced Thursday.

In an online Palace briefing, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said essential work and religious gatherings will be allowed “as long as strict social distancing, defined as the strict maintenance of at least two meters distance between and among persons present, and the mandatory wearing of face mask, face shield, or other facial protective equipment is maintained during the entirety of the event.”

The government previously announced the imposition of a GCQ beginning May 1, 2020 in areas with a low to moderate risk to COVID-19 infection.

Areas under GCQ may re-open non-leisure shops in malls and resume priority and essential construction projects, Roque earlier explained.

Partial operations of public transportation systems will likewise be allowed.

The following industries/sectors / businesses may resume full operations opening under GCQ: agriculture, fishery, forestry, food manufacturing, packaging, food retail, supermarket, restaurants (for takeout and delivery), hospitals, logistics, water, water, energy, internet, telecommunications, and media.

A 50 percent onsite work and 50 percent work-from-home scheme may also be imposed under GCQ in the following industries: financial services, BPO, non-leisure wholesale and retail trade, other non-leisure services.

Meanwhile, areas with high-risk COVID-19 infection like Metro Manila will remain under enhanced community quarantine until May 15.

GSG